20 Aug 2026

With the curtains falling on this year’s Botswana Basketball League (BBL) regular season, basketball fans are now set for the start of the Southern League Men’s Top 4 series, tipping off on Saturday at the Ba Isago courts.

From the six teams that started the campaign, two have fallen by the wayside. That leaves four formidable contenders poised to dig deep for a spot in the National Championships, where Northern League champions Maun Delta Spirit and second-seeded Francistown Heart City await.

Defending champions, Dolphins, lead the pack as the top seed following a flawless 10-0 regular season run, accumulating 20 points. BDF V, Police V and Diamond Bullets complete the top four respectively.

The ‘Phins’ dominated the regular season, reinforcing their status as the premier club in Botswana basketball. Coming off a 2025 playoff title after defeating Police V in a thrilling final series, the Dolphins have built a reputation as perennial champions and regional contenders. Having also lifted the trophy in 2023, sandwiched around BDF V’s 2024 triumph, the Dolphins remain a dominant force and the heavy favourites heading into the post-season.

Roster depth has been the Dolphins’ hallmark all season, anchored by international talent and bolstered by the recent acquisition of American-born guard Dylan ‘KJ’ Walker.

Second-seeded BBL V enter as dangerous contenders after dropping just three games during the regular season. 

The 2024 national champions capped off a stellar regular season last Sunday with a commanding 82-48 victory over the youthful UB Relics to secure second place in the standings.

Third-seeded Police V cannot be written off given the sheer quality and experience on their roster. 

While it was an inconsistent campaign by their usual high standards, opening in May with a 64-53 loss to rivals BDF V, the ‘Popos’ found their winning rhythm as the season progressed. They sealed their Top 4 spot with an inspired 57-47 victory over Diamond Bullets.

Though faced with a tough road to the National Championships, Police V will rely on their playmakers to dictate tempo and spark an offense driven by rising talent. Rounding out the field are the Diamond Bullets, who are no strangers to the fight for Southern League supremacy. Making their second consecutive Top 4 appearance, the Jwaneng-based side enters as the clear underdog.

The Bullets head into the series on a downward turn, having lost their penultimate regular-season game 86-53 to BDF V before falling 57-47 to Police V in the finale. A heavy burden falls on Joel Mothusi to lead the Bullets to a major upset against their more decorated rivals. With everything on the line, Jwaneng will have almost zero margin for error if they hope to secure a maiden berth in the National Championship final. ENDS